BLOG: Petr Vakoc Races His First Giro!

BLOG: Petr Vakoc Races His First Giro!

The following blog entry is from Petr Vakoc, who is participating in the Giro d'Italia for the first time in his professional career.

I was so excited when I learned that I was selected for the Giro! My first big tour…. it was a bit of a surprise to me, but a really nice one! Of course I knew that it was going to be hard, the Giro is a tough race but a very beautiful one too. I didn’t really know what to expect. But it still surpassed my expectation. Also the atmosphere of the race is amazing, even better than I had imagined.

The first hilly stages we were racing from start to finish and there has not been any easy stage yet. But it has been also beautiful. I really like racing in Italy and there are so many people watching the race. And to ride for Rigoberto Uran and support him is really an honor! I really like riding with him, he is so professional, but also a really nice guy. We have a lot of fun together, on the bike but also off the bike!

It’s important to try and relax in between stages, on the bus, in the room, etc... Actually the most fun moments beside the bike is the time we get to spend with our Sports Director Davide Bramati! He is the most funny man ever, but really a super nice person, everything comes from his heart. The passion of the race he shares with us is the best motivation ever!

The “least" fun so far has been Stage 7, the longest stage of Giro, and we had a strong headwind, it was so long. :-) After the first week in the Giro I must say I really love Italy. The food is amazing! Pasta, pasta, pasta I love it! Also, the nature here is beautiful, but I must say the best thing about being here in Italy is the atmosphere. The people are amazing here!